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Embarking on an RV journey along Highway 395 will lead you past numerous intriguing (and sometimes peculiar-looking!) geological formations, as well as glistening lakes, snow-capped peaks, and Wild West vistas.
I frequently characterize Highway 395 as tracing the backbone of California – predominantly running along the eastern boundary of the state. Though 395 continues into Oregon and Washington, the most renowned (and, in my view, the most captivating) attractions are found in California. Commencing (or culminating, depending on your direction) in Hesperia, around an hour and a half east of Los Angeles, this 1,300-mile route concludes at the Canadian border.
This excursion will guide you from the Oregon state boundary to San Bernardino, near Hesperia. Along the way, you’ll make brief deviations to explore three national parks, the largest alpine lake in North America, a deserted settlement, the loftiest peak in the contiguous U.S., and numerous lakes and other notable sites.
Some offshoots along this pathway traverse mountain passes that are accessible only during the summer. Nevertheless, you’ll also traverse one of the hottest spots on the planet…so the optimal time to travel will be contingent on your primary areas of interest.
Ready? Let’s commence our journey!
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Starting at the northern endpoint of the route, make a halt at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Upon departing from the highway near Johnstonville, traverse through Susanville, and proceed on Highway 36 through Chester en route to the park. The detour to explore Lassen is truly worthwhile! The juxtaposition of the peculiar, eerie geothermal features with the breathtaking alpine sights and crystal-clear lakes is remarkable. Visit hydrothermal regions with bubbling mudpots and steaming vents. Afterwards, explore Lake Helen, a picturesque mountain lake offering stunning views of Lassen Peak. One could easily dedicate a few days to a week for exploration and camping at Lassen.
Suggested RV campground: Mt. Lassen / Shingletown KOA Holiday, notwithstanding the presence of several top-notch campgrounds near Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lake Tahoe
Returning from Lassen Volcanic National Park to 395, you might want to take a moment in Chester to relish Lake Almanor and the quaint ambiance of the locale. Once on 395, journey south through Reno to Carson City before embarking on Highway 50 to reach Lake Tahoe. Spending a week in the Tahoe vicinity, indulging in the lake, hiking, and exploring the casinos wouldn’t be challenging. South Lake Tahoe boasts the most diverse array of dining options, activities, and campgrounds, although securing a spot well ahead of time is advised!
Suggested RV campground: Camp Richardson Resort, notwithstanding numerous Lake Tahoe campgrounds in close proximity.
Bodie Ghost Town
Bodie State Historic Park serves as the setting for a ghost town from California’s mining era. At its peak, Bodie boasted approximately 2,000 edifices and 8,000 inhabitants. Bodie has been conserved to mirror its state when the last residents departed, retaining stocked shelves and preserved buildings. While a museum bookstore exists, there are no services like gas or food available. Additionally, the route to Bodie may pose challenges for larger vehicles, based on the landscape.the climate. You might want to park your camper at the campground and drive a tow vehicle to the park. Alternatively, consider camping at Mono Lake, where multiple amenities are available, and then driving the one-hour journey to Bodie for the day.
Highly recommended RV site: Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground
Mono Lake
Mono Lake is located approximately an hour from Bodie, and you could use it as your central spot to explore both the deserted town and the lake vicinity. Dedicate time to discovering the Mono Lake Tufa State National Reserve to witness the whimsical tufa columns in the ancient lake. These peculiar shapes were formed as freshwater springs interacted with the alkaline lake water. Visitors can engage in swimming, kayaking, and hiking in the area.
Highly recommended RV site: Mono Vista RV Park
Yosemite National Park
If you’re traveling via 395 during the summer, you can opt for Tioga Pass from the Mono Lake area to access Yosemite National Park. You’ll encounter iconic sights such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. While you could easily spend a week in Yosemite, you can also get a good sense of the park in just two or three days.
Keep in mind that Tioga Pass is a steep and winding mountain pass, so factor this into your RV trip planning. The opening date of the pass each spring is not fixed, hence you will need to monitor the Tioga Road Opening updates. If you wish to visit Yosemite from 395 when the pass is shut, you can take a significantly longer detour via Highway 108. The drive through Tioga Pass takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours without stops, while the lengthier detour lasts about four hours.
Highly recommended RV site: Tuolumne Meadows Campground
June Lake
Upon returning over Tioga Pass from Yosemite, you can enjoy a leisurely drive by stopping at June Lake, located just below the Mono Lake area. June Lake is surrounded by several lakes, and the picturesque 12-mile June Lake Loop drive offers a scenic view of them. Activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and kayaking are available.
Highly recommended RV site: June Lake RV Park
Mammoth Lakes
June Lake to Mammoth Highway is only a brief half-hour drive. You may choose to skip June Lake and go directly to Mammoth Lakes, where you can engage in various outdoor activities all-year-round. During summer, there are opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. In the wintry months, you can enjoy skiing at Mammoth Mountain, snowshoeing, sledding, and other cold-weather delights. Taking a 30-minute drive to Devil’s Postpile National Monument allows you to witness the unique basalt columns and Rainbow Falls, but remember the monument is only open in the summer.
While you’re in the Mammoth Lakes vicinity, consider taking a fifteen-minute drive to Convict Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters. Visitors and photographers often admire the lake’s beauty and can also indulge in hiking or fishing.
Prime RV campsite suggestion: Twin Lakes Campground
Majestic Bristlecone Pine Forest
Your following destination past Mammoth Lakes is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, which lies within a two-hour drive. This forest contains some of the oldest trees globally, the must-visit spots being the Visitor Center and Patriarch Grove, where the world’s most enormous bristlecone pine, the Patriarch Tree, stands tall.
You can make Bishop your central location to replenish supplies and savor delicacies at Erick Schat’s Bakery.
Top RV camping site: Brown’s Town Campgrounds
Mt. Whitney
Depart from Bishop and head south, making stops at Keough’s Hot Springs and the historic Manzanar National Historic Site in Independence, where Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II. Proceed to Mt. Whitney, where even if you don’t plan to ascend the 14,505-foot peak, you can still drive up Whitney Portal Road to enjoy the stunning scenery (and escape the desert heat if needed). Please note that the road is only accessible in the summer.
Recommended RV campground: Whitney Portal Campground
Death Valley National Park
Less than a 2.5-hour drive from Mt. Whitney is Death Valley National Park, offering plentiful exploration opportunities. Explore Mosaic Canyon, admire the vibrant hues of Artists Palette, and trek to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin. It’s advisable to visit the park in late fall, winter, or early spring to avoid the scorching temperatures Death Valley is known for.
Prime RV camping spot: Furnace Creek Campground
San Bernardino
From Death Valley National Park, expect a little over a 4-hour drive to the starting point of Highway 395 near San Bernardino. This location offers numerous sightseeing options, including trips to Los Angeles, nearby beaches, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and the San Bernardino Mountains, where Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear are worth a visit.
Hopefully, this Highway 395 guide has been informative! The route is filled with remarkable stops and stunning sights, ensuring an unforgettable RV journey no matter which destinations you choose to visit.
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